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Wigan Album

Toys from the past

5 Comments

Big Boys Toys & made in Wigan
Big Boys Toys & made in Wigan
Photo: Barrie
Views: 789
Item #: 35152
Why I called this "Big Boys Toys" is that 40/50 years ago my Father gave them to me as Birthday/Christmas presents. The made in Wigan is also true as the coffee table they standing on was made in 1959/60 in my final year at Gidlow Sec Modern school (class 4a) in the woodworking class and is still in use in 2024 in our morning room on the Wirral. The "toys" are Willesco "Old Smokey" traction engine, Mamod "Workshop" & Fleischmann's model stationary steam engine which drives the workshop. I now have a question for you, does anyone in the Wigan region know of a model engineering society/club that would be interested in these models. They need to go to a good "home" and here ,on the Wirral ,I have drawn a blank.

Comment by: Colin Traynor on 15th June 2024 at 17:02

I am always fascinated by mechanical well engineered models of this kind.
I remember one in a shop window in Darlington Street that had a little burner beneath which powered a boiler and in turn, turned the a series of cogs and wheels. Great.

Comment by: Carolaen on 15th June 2024 at 18:52

Colin I also remember the shop in Darlington Street - opposite Kays if memory serves. I think they also had a model of a Ferris wheel built from Meccano parts.

Comment by: Cyril on 17th June 2024 at 16:07

Barrie, I'm sure the members of Wigan & District Model Engineering Society would be interested in seeing your model engine, especially with them being into steam driven engines. The link to their website is below.

https://wigandmes.com/

Comment by: Brian B on 19th June 2024 at 15:12

Barrie have a look at "The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum"
They have loads of info on your type of models and include a buy and sell section.

Comment by: Barrie on 21st June 2024 at 20:16

Cyril & Brian B, thanks for the info above. I'll check out the Wigan group on line in the next week or so. I'm not so sure on the forum route. Buying/selling seems to be their way.

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